Riding At the Rings

Posted by Tracey (Maryland, United States) on 8 October 2009 in Sport & Recreation and Portfolio.

Renaissance Faire
Pennsylvania
September 20, 2009

Jousting is one of the major attractions at the Renaissance Faire. It is like a sporting event with a theatrical flair. The actors dress themselves and the horses in Medieval garb and then show off their horseman skills by doing several challenges. One of the challenges is called "Riding at the Rings" which, in Medieval Times, was actually used as jousting practice, increasing the knights accuracy skills.

The idea is to ride full speed on the horse, take your lance and accurately place it through the center of a small hoop and ride off with the hoop successfully placed around the lance. The "knight" in this image makes it look easy, when in fact, it is quite difficult. Using a high shutter speed, I was able to stop the action just as the lance was entering the ring. I, of course, shot on continuous shooting mode and just prayed for something good!

Weigh In: How do you feel about the use of animals in shows such as these?

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Comments (5)

Frida from Sweden

I like fairs like this and often attend when there is one nearby. I feel like the animals are treated well and enjoy to participate.

8 Oct 2009 8:56am

@Frida: I would have to agree with you, Frida! The horses in this case, unlike the earlier featured elephant, seemed happy, well taken care of, and healthy.

margaret from United States

Tracey...you are a gal after my own heart. Here's how I feel about it. Certain animals were designed by Mother Nature in such a way that they can help humans accomplish certain things. Horses are big and strong and gentle, making them ideal for tasks requiring those traits. Dogs are gifted with hearing and smelling abilities that far outstrip humans' abilities. That, and their strength and loyalty, make dogs ideally suited for things like police work (apprehension, drug- and bomb-sniffing), search and rescue, companion and guide services, etc. The presence of animals in shows and displays can educate people about how amazing they are, and how they should be respected as fellow living beings.

Animals improve our lives in countless ways and, in many cases, animals even save human and animal lives.

However, unlike adult humans, animals cannot consent to participate in any of these activities. So, if we do utilize animals' special abilities for a given purpose, it is our responsibility as humans to ensure that the animals' needs (physical, mental and emotional) are provided for in the best possible way, and that any discomfort or distress they might encounter in the performance of these activities is minimized or eliminated.

Thanks for bringing up this topic, since it is one that I feel so very strongly about! Hope all is well with you!

8 Oct 2009 11:42am